Best phones on Verizon [December 2014]

Other markets have it good, as they can choose any phone and just run to their carriers of choice. It’s different in the USA, where carriers really have all the power. Most people here purchase their subsidized phones on-contract and keep them for a couple years.

Some carriers don’t even support GSM technology, Verizon being one of them. This means people can’t just get an unlocked device and use it on Big Red’s network. It has to be a Verizon phone… period.

This is why when people ask me what phone they should get, my first answer is always “what carrier are you with?”. The smarter route in America is to choose a carrier first, then a smartphone. With that in mind, we thought a list of the best (or our favorite) Verizon phones was due. Let’s jump right into it.

HTC One M8

Though it has been in the market for quite some time, the HTC One M8 continues to be my favorite phone in Verizon’s network. HTC has set the standard for quality in the Android smartphone market. The HTC One M8 is solid, beautifully designed, powerful and feature-full.

Though I have tested multiple of the newer flagships, I always go back to my HTC One M8. I simply haven’t found a phone that is really better. Or at least good enough to warrant a change. And though it has its months, it’s just as fast and powerful as the latest devices, so you are not missing out on anything here.

Sony Xperia Z3v

If I did have to choose another device, though, it would be the Sony Xperia Z3v. This is pretty much Verizon’s version of the Xperia Z3, which is one of our favorites at Mobile Geeks. Is Verizon’s Sony Xperia Z3v as good? You can learn all about it in our full review, but let me tell you right now that it’s a great device.

It comes with a stunning battery life, a good camera, solid specs and great performance. Not to mention, it’s water and dust resistant, so you can even take this bad boy for a swim. It may not have a QHD 2560x1440p display like the other big guys in town, but it doesn’t need it.

iPhone 6 (or iPhone 6 Plus)

I may get some hate from Android fans here, but the iPhone 6 currently is one of the best smartphones to get on Verizon. In fact, I recommend it often. Apple’s new smartphone is loved by many, as it follows all the design standards we have grown to love from the Cupertino giant.

In addition, the software is simple, performance is great and the device has a camera that can blow most smartphone shooters out of the water. Pair that package with an improved battery life and you got yourself a winner.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

I have to accept I am not much of a Samsung fan, but I have always liked the Galaxy Note line. The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comes with a large 5.7-inch QHD (2560x1440p) display, top-of-the-line specs and a hefty 3220 mAh battery.

Not only is it a large phone, but it also happens to be the device that takes the most advantage of the screen real estate. Samsung has packed a plethora of multi-tasking features, as well as S-Pen capabilities. This is what really makes the Samsung Galaxy note 4 a winner in the “phablet” market.

Motorola Droid Turbo

I had to think hard about this one. It was either the Motorola Droid Turbo or the Moto X, but I had to give this one to the Droid Turbo. The device has super high-end specs, a great build quality, good design elements, a stunning QHD (2560x1440p) display and it really doesn’t lack anything that the Moto X offers. The unique software features are also the same.

The Motorola Droid Turbo took this win thanks to its battery life, really. The Motorola Droid Turbo sports a massive 3900 mAh battery, which can keep it alive for well over a whole day. We know how much you value battery, so we knew the Droid Turbo simply had to have a spot in this list. It’s also a hell of a phone!

Edgar has been a tech blogger for over 3 years. Gadgets have become his life, so you can be sure he is always writing or sharing his thoughts around here. Unless he is off shooting arrows or on adventures, of course.